Nestled in the heart of Florence, the San Marco Museum is a fascinating testament to the city's rich artistic and religious heritage. Housed in a former Dominican convent, this stunning museum is known for its exquisite collection of frescoes by the celebrated Renaissance artist, Fra Angelico. The museum also houses a vast array of other treasures, including altarpieces, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts, each a testament to the skill and devotion of the artists who created them.
Why Visit San Marco Museum?
Exquisite Artworks: The museum boasts an impressive collection of religious artworks, including frescoes, altarpieces, sculptures, and illuminated manuscripts.
Historical Significance: The museum is housed in a former Dominican convent, which was also the home of the controversial preacher and reformer, Girolamo Savonarola.
Peaceful Ambiance: The frescoes in the cells were intended to inspire meditation and prayer, and visitors can experience this same sense of calm and stillness as they explore the museum's galleries and cloisters.
Cultural Experience: The San Marco Museum offers a unique cultural experience that provides insight into the history, art, and spirituality of Renaissance Florence.
Your San Marco Tickets Explained
Entry Tickets to San Marco
Duration: 20 mins
The entry ticket to San Marco museum allows you to enter the museum and explore the galleries adorned with artworks
Get access to the Dominican convent where the monks still live as well as the church
Recommended Tour
Entry Tickets to San Marco Museum - Florence
Why Book San Marco Tickets Online?
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Plan Your Visit To San Marco Museum
Tuesday-Friday: 8.15 AM to 1.20 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 8.15 AM to 4.15 PM The museum remains closed on Monday
Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
By Bus: Several local buses stop near the museum, including the C1 and C2. You can take these buses from the Santa Maria Novella train station or from other points in the city center. Once you get off at the bus stop, the museum is just a short walk away.
By Train: If you're arriving by train, the museum is a short taxi or bus ride away from the Santa Maria Novella train station. You can take the C1 or C2 bus from the station to the museum. Alternatively, you can walk to the museum from the station, which takes around 20-25 minutes.
There are 2 entrances to the museum,
Main Entrance: The main entrance to the San Marco Museum is located on Piazza San Marco, just a short walk from the Duomo.
Side Entrance: The side entrance to the San Marco Museum is located on Via Cavour, just a few blocks away from the main entrance. The side entrance provides access to the museum's library and study center, which houses a vast collection of books and manuscripts related to the history of the Dominican order.
Restrooms: The museum has restrooms available for visitors to use.
Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible for people with disabilities, with wheelchair ramps and elevators available to reach all areas of the museum.
The Florence Cathedral: Also known as the Duomo, this stunning cathedral is located just a short walk from the San Marco Museum. Visitors can climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of Florence.
The Uffizi Gallery: One of the most famous art museums in the world, the Uffizi Gallery is home to an incredible collection of Renaissance art. It's located a 15-minute walk from the San Marco Museum.
Piazza della Signoria: This bustling square is located in the heart of Florence and features several famous sculptures, including a replica of Michelangelo's David.
Palazzo Vecchio: Located in Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio is a historic palace which was once the seat of government in Florence and is now open to visitors.
Purchase tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning artwork and architecture.
Respect the artwork by not touching or leaning on it and being mindful of your surroundings.
Take your time to fully explore the museum and its exhibits.
Check the opening hours before planning your visit, as the museum is closed on Mondays and certain holidays.
Highlights of San Marco Museum
The Last Supper Fresco
Located in the refectory, this fresco depicts the Last Supper and is one of the most famous works in the museum. It is a work of art of by the Italian Renaissance artist Domenico Ghirlandaio.
The Annunciation by Fra Angelico
This beautiful painting, located in the former chapter house, depicts the moment when the Angel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will give birth to Jesus.
The library
The museum's library contains many priceless illuminated manuscripts and is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture.
The monks' Cells
Each cell contains a fresco painted by Fra Angelico, depicting a different religious scene or saint. These cells provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the monks who once lived in the monastery.
A. Your San Marco tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled
A. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:15am to 1:50pm and till 4.15 PM on Saturday & Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and on certain holidays.
A. Yes, tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at the museum's ticket office.
A. Yes, the museum is fully accessible for people with disabilities, with wheelchair ramps and elevators available to reach all areas of the museum.
A. On average, visitors spend around 20-30 mins at the museum.
A. Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography and tripods are not permitted. Some areas may also have specific photography restrictions, so be sure to check before taking photos.
A. Some of the most important artworks to see in the San Marco Museum include the frescoes by Fra Angelico in the monks' cells, the Last Supper fresco in the refectory, and the Annunciation painting by Fra Angelico in the former chapter house.
A. The museum is located in central Florence and is easily accessible by foot or public transportation. The nearest bus stop is San Marco, and the museum is a short walk from several major landmarks, such as the Florence Cathedral and the Medici Palace.
A. No, food and drink are not permitted inside the museum. However, there are several cafes and restaurants located nearby where you can purchase food and drink before or after your visit.
A. Yes, visitors are asked to dress modestly and refrain from wearing shorts or sleeveless tops. This is out of respect for the religious nature of many of the artworks on display.
A. Yes, there is a gift shop located on the ground floor of the museum where visitors can purchase souvenirs, books, and other items related to the museum's exhibits and history.
A. No, there are no age restrictions for visiting the museum. However, parents should use their discretion when deciding if the museum's exhibits are appropriate for young children.
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